Senate Bill 546 aims to enhance the circuit court and criminal justice system in Wisconsin by authorizing the addition of several new positions and branches in specific counties. The bill proposes to add four circuit court branches: one in Brown County and one in Menominee and Shawano Counties, both starting on August 1, 2027, and another two branches in Brown County and Kenosha County, starting on August 1, 2028. The bill also provides for the hiring of judges, court reporters, assistant district attorneys, and assistant state public defenders over the 2027-29 biennium, with specific numbers and timelines outlined for each position.

The bill includes amendments to existing statutes, specifically changing the number of branches in Kenosha and Brown Counties from eight to nine and from eight to ten, respectively, and increasing the number of branches in Menominee and Shawano Counties from two to three. Additionally, it mandates that the director of state courts, district attorneys, and the public defender board request funding for these new positions in their biennial budget requests and submit a report to the legislature by December 31, 2032, analyzing workload and personnel needs.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 753.06(2)(a), 753.06, 753.06(8)(a), 753.06(9)(h)